Politics & Government

If Stoughton Opts to Purchase Train Station, it Will Receive Financial Assistance from State

The Massachusetts Senate and House passed the Transportation Bond Bill, which includes financial assistance if Stoughton opts to purchase the train station. The bill now heads to Governor Patrick.

If the town decides to purchase the , which has recently been put up for sale by the MBTA, it will receive some financial assistance from the state. The following press release from the office of Senator Brian A. Joyce explains:

Stoughton's State House representation, Senator Brian A. Joyce (D-Milton) and Representatives Bill Galvin (D-Canton) and Lou Kafka (D-Stoughton) have passed legislation that provides at least $175,000 in matching grant funds to the town of Stoughton for the purpose of purchasing or refurbishing the old MBTA Stoughton Railroad Station on Wyman Street.

The that came out of a conference committee of three Representatives and three Senators, including Joyce, provides flexibility for the town and allows them the first say in the future of the property.

Find out what's happening in Stoughtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The language in the bill directs the MBTA to convey the 6,100 square foot property, including 30 adjacent parking spaces, to the town for “fair market value.” It also provides $175,000 in matching funds to help the town purchase the property and allows the town to pay off the purchase over ten years with no interest.

“Throughout the meetings I’ve had with both MBTA and Stoughton town officials, it has been clear that everyone wants an equitable and profitable solution that benefits the town and its residents,” said Joyce. “Once we were able to press pause on the private sale of the property, we were able to focus on giving the town the most significant voice in how the station fits into the future economic vitality of the surrounding area and the entire town.”

Find out what's happening in Stoughtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I was pleased to see that our House amendment was included in the final bill," added Rep. Galvin. "These provisions are great for Stoughton and will provide the town with options on how the area is developed," he concluded.

On July 16, Sen. Joyce and Reps. Galvin and Kafka met with MBTA and town officials at the station to .

Since that time, the Legislature has been working on a favorable agreement that would allow the town to purchase the property for use or to sell or lease for private use. When the MBTA listed the property for private sale, the legislators were able to get the sale halted until the town could first say whether or not it wanted the property.

The bill now heads to Governor Deval Patrick.


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